Android Auto settings ship with defaults that prioritize simplicity over usability, leaving drivers frustrated with alphabetical app launchers and disabled notifications. Android Auto is a projection platform that runs from your phone to display on a compatible infotainment head unit screen in vehicles, yet most users never customize it beyond the factory state. The five Android Auto settings detailed here address the gap between what Android Auto can do and what it actually does out of the box.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your launcher to reorder apps by frequency instead of alphabetical order.
- Enable notification access via Settings > Apps > Special app access > Device & app notifications.
- Android Auto 13.5 now supports motorcycles and higher-resolution displays, expanding beyond traditional cars.
- New “P” icons mark apps that only work when parked, reducing distraction.
- Google Maps now displays a “Report” button on smaller screens for safer reporting.
Customize Your Launcher to Put Frequently Used Apps First
The default Android Auto launcher displays apps in alphabetical order, which means your most-used navigation or music app might sit three positions down the list while obscure system apps float to the top. Reordering this launcher is the single most impactful Android Auto settings change you can make. Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto, tap Customize launcher, and drag your preferred apps to the top positions. This puts the apps you actually use while driving—Maps, Spotify, Waze—within immediate reach without scrolling or distraction.
The launcher displays the last three opened apps, plus a short app menu below or beside the main screen, so positioning matters. Most drivers benefit from placing their primary navigation app first, followed by their preferred music or podcast service, then messaging apps. The customization persists across Android Auto sessions, so you only need to configure it once on a new phone.
Enable Notification Access in Android Auto Settings
Notifications are disabled by default in Android Auto settings, which means incoming calls, texts, and alerts simply vanish into silence while you drive. Enabling this feature requires navigating to a buried submenu: Settings > Apps > Special app access > Device & app notifications > Android Auto. Once there, toggle on Allow notification access and ensure all sub-options below are checked on by default. This single change transforms Android Auto from a passive app launcher into an active communication hub.
With notification access enabled, incoming messages and calls appear at the top of the Android Auto screen, where you can tap to listen, accept, or reject them. This is particularly valuable for drivers who need to respond to urgent messages without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. The notification system respects your phone’s Do Not Disturb settings, so you retain control over what interrupts your drive.
Understand the New “P” Icon for Parked-Only Apps
Android Auto 13.5 introduced a new “P” icon that marks apps only functional when the vehicle is parked, reducing distractions for drivers tempted to use non-driving-safe features while moving. This is not an Android Auto settings change you make—it is a visual cue the system provides—but understanding it is critical for safe driving. Apps marked with a “P” icon will either refuse to launch or will display a warning when the vehicle is in motion. Games, photo galleries, and social media apps typically carry this restriction.
The “P” icon represents a shift in how Android Auto prioritizes safety over convenience. Rather than relying on driver discipline, the system enforces it at the software level. If you find yourself frequently trying to launch parked-only apps while driving, that is a signal to reconsider your Android Auto setup or your driving habits.
Check Compatible Apps and Recent Updates
Android Auto 13.5 swapped “Car” for “Vehicle” in settings, hinting at support for motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles alongside traditional cars. This Android Auto settings terminology shift signals an expansion beyond traditional automotive use cases. Recent updates also added a “Report” button to Google Maps that remains visible on smaller screens, making it safer for drivers to report hazards without fumbling through menus. These incremental improvements compound over time, making it worth reviewing your Android Auto settings periodically as updates roll out.
You can check which apps are compatible with Android Auto directly in the Android Auto app via your phone’s Settings menu. Not every app supports Android Auto projection, so knowing your compatible options prevents confusion when searching for a specific service on the car screen. Some apps, like messaging platforms, may require additional permission grants before they appear in Android Auto.
Set Up Routines and Wallpapers for In-Car Use
Beyond the core five Android Auto settings, Google Assistant routines and wallpaper customization add personalization without compromising safety. You can create routines that trigger when Android Auto activates—for example, starting a specific playlist or reading out your calendar—without requiring manual input. Wallpaper changes let you customize the appearance of the Android Auto interface, though this is purely cosmetic.
These secondary Android Auto settings matter less than launcher customization and notification access, but they reward power users who spend significant time in their vehicles. A routine that silences notifications, enables Do Not Disturb, and starts your commute playlist saves five manual steps every time you drive.
How do I customize the Android Auto launcher on my phone?
Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto, tap Customize launcher, and drag apps into your preferred order. The top three apps appear prominently on the main Android Auto screen, so place your most-used apps there. Changes take effect immediately and persist across sessions.
What does the “P” icon mean in Android Auto?
The “P” icon marks apps that only function when the vehicle is parked, preventing distracted driving. These apps will not launch or will display a warning while the car is in motion. This is a safety feature, not a setting you can disable.
Why is notification access disabled by default in Android Auto?
Google prioritizes minimizing distractions while driving, so notification access requires explicit opt-in through a special app access menu rather than appearing as a simple toggle in the main Android Auto settings. Once enabled, notifications appear safely at the top of the screen without interrupting navigation or music playback.
Android Auto’s defaults are conservative by design, but they assume all drivers value silence over connectivity. If you spend hours commuting or rely on mobile communication for work, these five Android Auto settings changes transform the platform from a basic navigation tool into a genuinely useful driving companion. Start with launcher customization and notification access—those two changes alone address the most common frustrations users encounter on any new Android phone.
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This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: Android Central
